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University of Louisville vs Spalding University: which has better ROI?

Public, Louisville KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Louisville KY

The verdict

University of Louisville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,952 in 13 years versus 94.6 years at Spalding University, on median earnings of $53,899 vs $49,438 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of LouisvilleSpalding University
Net price / yr$17,988$25,491
Total net cost$71,952$101,964
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,899$49,438
Median debt$20,500$25,250
Payback13 yrs94.6 yrs
20-year net return$38,828-$80,404

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Spalding University?

University of Louisville, at $17,988 a year after aid versus $25,491 — a gap of $7,503 a year, or $30,012 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Louisville or Spalding University graduates earn more?

University of Louisville graduates report a median $53,899 ten years after entry, $4,461 more than the $49,438 at Spalding University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Louisville or Spalding University?

University of Louisville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,250 at Spalding University, a difference of $4,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at University of Louisville, against 52% at Spalding University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Louisville vs Spalding University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Louisville or Spalding University a better value?
University of Louisville. It clears its $71,952 net cost in about 13 years versus 94.6 years at Spalding University, on median earnings of $53,899 vs $49,438 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Spalding University?
University of Louisville: $17,988/yr net price after aid versus $25,491/yr at Spalding University — a difference of $7,503 a year, or about $30,012 over four years.
Do University of Louisville or Spalding University graduates earn more?
University of Louisville graduates earn a median $53,899 ten years after entry, versus $49,438 at Spalding University — a $4,461 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.